Dispenser for supplying portions of pasty masses

ABSTRACT

Dispenser for delivering portions of pasty substances has an emptying nozzle ( 18 ) associated with a squeeze head ( 13 ), and a tubular housing ( 1 ) in which a plunger ( 9 ) is displaced in a stepwise manner during a process of emptying the dispenser. Displacement of the plunger occurs in the direction toward the nozzle ( 18 ). The squeeze head can be pressed in, in the direction of the plunger ( 9 ), and can be actuated via a handle (H). A cover ( 21 ) closes an opening ( 20 ) of the nozzle ( 18 ). A pivot-pin connection (DV) is provided between the cover and the nozzle, and a slit/pivot pin mounting ( 23/22 ) is disposed between cover and the housing such that, once the cover has been displaced open partially, the pivot pin ( 22 ) is displaced in the pressing-in direction of the squeeze head ( 13 ), and the nozzle is carried along in the process, by way of support against a housing-side abutment (w).

This application is a 371 of PCT/EP03/05110 filed May 15, 2003.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a dispenser for delivering portions of pastysubstances, having a tubular housing in which a plunger is displaced ina stepwise manner, during emptying actuation, in the direction of anemptying nozzle, which is associated with a squeeze head, which can bepressed in in the direction of the plunger and can be actuated via ahandle, and is associated with a cover, which closes the openingcross-section of the emptying nozzle.

EP-A1 0 214 106 discloses a squeeze head with this associated emptyingnozzle. The cover, which keeps the opening cross-section closed, is partof a handle which is mounted about a stationary pivot pin. Via thishandle, a neck of the squeeze head is displaced for pump-like actionrelative to a plunger-like plug-in end of the emptying nozzle. When thehandle is released, the cover, utilizing the restoring force of thesqueeze head, moves back into its closed position.

DE-A1 37 16 822 discloses a dispenser of the generic type in which thesqueeze head is actuated via a separate, pivotably mounted handle. Theactuating force is introduced into the squeeze head via bendingportions. The bending portions are of such a length that they compensatefor different movement sequences between the handle and the squeezehead. Upon actuation, the opening cross-section of the emptying nozzlelifts up, for all practical purposes, axially from the cover, which isstationary here.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to form a dispenser of the generic typein a structurally straightforward and easy-to-handle manner.

This object is achieved first and foremost in the case of a dispenserhaving the features of Claim 1, to be precise by a pivot-pin connectionbetween cover and emptying nozzle.

Such a configuration achieves a structurally and functionallyadvantageous solution: the pivot-pin connection does not just cover therotary/pivoting action for the handle, but also functions as aconnecting element between two main parts of the dispenser mechanism.This results, for all practical purposes, in direct actuation and, inaddition, in structural simplification. The subject matters of the restof the claims are explained hereinbelow in relation to the subjectmatter of Claim 1, but may also be important in their independentformulation. The cover and handle thus form a unit. The rest of theconstruction is characterized by a slit/pivot-pin mounting between thecover and housing such that, once the cover has been pivoted openpartially, the pivot pin is displaced in the pressing-in direction ofthe squeeze head, the emptying nozzle being carried along in theprocess, by way of support against a housing-mounted abutment. Such aslit may also be provided for directly in the housing. It is dimensionedsuch that it is only once the cover has been opened partially that theemptying nozzle is carried along and the pump is thus actuated. Thisguarantees a clean delivery. This is also evident on the exterior as thedispenser is used to an increasing extent; there is no need for thedispenser head to be constantly cleaned. Conversely, as the restoringmovement of the squeeze head begins, any excess pasty substance isremoved by suction from the emptying-nozzle mouth or the openingcross-section of the same, that is to say is sucked in. Straightforwardhandling is made possible by the fact that the cover terminates in aspiked-helmet-like protrusion. Such an exposed protrusion forms anadvantageous lever and can be reliably reached and felt. Self-stiffeningof the cover as a whole is also achieved, so that it is also possible towork with fairly thin walls. As far as the mechanics are concerned, itproves to be advantageous if the abutment is formed by a wing whichprojects in the direction of the pivot pin and against the underside ofwhich the flank of an arm of the cover strikes. The said arm isrestrained against the underside in the region of the pivot-pinconnection, the squeeze head being compressed in the process.Furthermore, it is provided that the lower periphery of the coverpenetrates into a matching recessed channel of the housing. This allpreferably takes place such that it is possible to dispense with aconventional protective cap or over-cap, in that the cover, in the restof its configuration, is integrated in the shape of the dispenser head,this being done in the manner of a smooth, virtually flush transitionfrom the movable part into the fixed part. Finally, it proves to beadvantageous from a point of view of actuation if the pivoting path ofthe cover to the point where the opening cross-section of the emptyingnozzle is exposed is greater than the rest of the pivoting path of thecover for the pressing-in movement of the squeeze head. This makes itpossible largely to expose the opening cross-section in the firstinstance such that correctly targeted, clearly visibly effectibleapplication is reliably achieved.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detailhereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in thedrawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows, in side view, the dispenser realized as a stand-up unit,closed by a protective cap,

FIG. 2 shows the section along line II—II in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the dispenser turned through 180° and withthe protective cap removed,

FIG. 4 shows the section along line IV—IV in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 shows an enlargement V—V from FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 shows the enlargement according to FIG. 5, to be precise as thecover is being pivoted open,

FIG. 7 shows the enlargement according to FIG. 6, in this case withslit-enabled displacement of the cover and thus the squeeze head beingactuated for the purpose of delivering portions of pasty substance, and

FIG. 8 shows a front elevation view of the dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The dispenser Sp illustrated is realized as a stand-up unit. It has atubular housing 1. The latter has, at the top, a dispenser head 3containing the dispenser mechanism 2. At the bottom, the housing 1continues into a widened standing pedestal 4.

The dispenser head 3, which is integral with the housing 1, can becovered by a protective cap 5 when the dispenser is not in use. It canbe plugged on with a friction fit and is stop-limited against an annularshoulder 6, which is achieved by an offset in the wall of thecylindrical housing 1.

Most of the length of the housing 1 serves, in terms of volume, as astorage space 7. It accommodates pasty substance 8. This may be a mainsubstance, for example toothpaste.

The pasty substance 8 can then have a further pasty substance appliedover it. This further pasty substance is located predominantly in thebase region of the dispenser head 3 and forms an additional substance,for example in the form of a mouthwash component. The latter is applied,in known manner, in strip form to an elongate portion of substance whichis formed for apportioned delivery. The dispenser mechanism 2, in thisrespect, has a pump-like discharging action. A device which forms thestrip structure is not illustrated in the drawing. However, it can begathered, for example, from DE-A1 37 16 822, which was mentioned in theintroduction.

The lower termination of the storage space 7 is formed by a plunger 9.This is realized as a follow-up plunger. It is inserted into the housing1 from beneath and, in the process, simultaneously performs a coverfunction.

The plunger 9 is displaceable in a stepwise manner only in the emptyingdirection arrow x corresponding to emptying actuation. In this case,peripheral lips 10 of the plunger 9 are guided along the cylindricalinner wall 1′ of the housing 1.

On the side which is directed toward the standing pedestal 4, theplunger 9 carries a so-called clamping module 11. This has usuallyradially oriented spikes. Such a spike ring made of spring steel, movedinto one plane, has a circumscribing diameter which is larger than theclear diameter of the cylindrical storage space 7. Accordingly, theslightly obliquely positioned spike ends dig, like supporting feet, intothe inner wall 1′ which, in this respect, is correspondingly capable ofinterlocking. The entire arrangement is covered by an outer plate 12.Further technical details relating to such a clamping catch can begathered in a variety of embodiments from the prior art. No furtherexplanation will therefore be given here.

The core of the pump for the plunger 9, this pump discharging the pastyelongate portion of substance, is formed by a dome-like squeeze head 13.The squeeze head 13, which is similar to a pump bellows, consists ofelastomeric, resilient material and extends in the base region of thedispenser head 3. In specific terms, it is accommodated on the innerwall 1′ of the housing 1 in the transition region between storage space7 and dispenser head 3, secured in an annular groove 14. The upper flank15 of the annular groove 14 is achieved by the offset in the wall of thehousing 1, which forms the annular shoulder 6; the lower flank 16, incontrast, is formed by a transversely convexly running annular rib 17.

The compressible, pumping region of the squeeze head 13 is notincorporated in the securing means described. Rather, a cylindricalsleeve 13″ which extends from the lower end periphery 13′ of thedome-like squeeze head 13 and is turned over to stand freely in theemptying direction x is secured with axial fixing. It overcomes theaction, during plug-in positioning, of the annular rib 17, whichotherwise serves for securing purposes, and snaps into the annulargroove 14.

The operation of discharging the elongate portion of pasty substance 8,optionally including the components applied in a strip-like manner,takes place via an emptying nozzle 18 consisting of relatively stiffmaterial. The emptying nozzle 18 is realized as an angled tube and has aextrusion-forming channel 19. Accordingly, the emptying nozzle 18 ismade up of an angled portion a, which can be released in a freelyprojecting manner, and a vertical portion b, which runs coaxially inrelation to the longitudinal center axis y—y of the basicallyrotationally symmetrical dispenser Sp. The enclosed angle of inclinationalpha is around 45°, see FIG. 4. The opening cross-section 20 of theemptying nozzle 18, this opening cross-section forming a dispensermouth, has a cover 21 gripping over it with closing action in the basicposition of the dispenser Sp.

The cover 21 is of helmet-like configuration. It has both a closingfunction, in the manner indicated, and a pump-actuating function. Forthis purpose, it also forms the handle H. The cover 21 and handle form aunit, this being a single-piece body configured in the form of a spikedhelmet.

Functioning takes place via a pivot-pin connection DV between the cover21 and the emptying nozzle 18. The pivot pin is designated 22. It isprovided in a pair and can be snapped in, for bearing purposes, viarun-on slopes.

Mounting is carried out in a stationary manner; it takes place in thedispenser head 3. The latter has a slit 23, which is likewise configuredin a pair. The slit 23 can be seen in the actuating position of thecover 21 according to FIG. 7 by virtue of this figure being cut away.

The slit 23 is formed as a slot. This runs in the direction of thepressing-in movement of the squeeze head 13, that is to say counter tothe direction of the arrow x.

Accordingly, the pivot-pin connection DV or slit/pivot-pin mounting23/22 between the cover 21 and housing 1 is carried out such that, oncethe cover 21 has been pivoted open partially (see position according toFIG. 6), the pivot pin 22 is displaced in the pressing-in direction ofthe squeeze head 13, the emptying nozzle 18 being carried along in theprocess, by way of support against a housing-side abutment W.

In order to convert this displacement movement into the compressedposition of the squeeze head 13, the other, lower end 18′ of theemptying nozzle 18, that is to say the portion b, is in anon-displaceable, i.e. fixed, plugging connection with the squeeze head13, which can be pressed in in the direction of the plunger 9. Thecorrespondingly pluggable end 18′ of the portion b of the emptyingnozzle 18, this portion running vertically in the basic position, isaccommodated in a squeeze-head neck 24 located at the apex of thedome-like squeeze head 13. The correspondingly non-slip interconnectionis achieved by annular beads 25 of the portion b interengaging incorresponding annular grooves 26 in the neck interior of the squeezehead 13.

For exposing the opening cross-section 20 in first instance in order todischarge the elongate portion of substance in second instance, thecover 21, configured as a helmet, can be opened in the region orsurroundings of the dispenser head 3 to form a relatively large jaw 27,see FIG. 6. The structural coordination in respect of the dispensermechanism here is thus such that the pivoting path of the cover 21 tothe point where the opening cross-section 19 of the emptying nozzle isexposed is greater than the rest of the pivoting path of the cover 21for the pressing-in movement of the squeeze head 13. The first pivotingpath, in relation to the pivot pin 22, supported in the upper end 23′ ofthe slit 23, encloses an angle beta of approximately 90°. When the jaw27 is fully open, the freely projecting portion a of the emptying nozzle18 extends along the angle bisector of the said angle beta.

In contrast, the pivoting path which follows on, in terms of movement,from this intermediate position of the cover 21, referred to as the restof the pivoting path, encloses an angle gamma of approximately 40°. Uponreaching this actuating position, the pivot pin 22 is displaced downwardto a limited extent in the slit 23 in the housing and runs into the end23″ located there, that is to say the lower end, of the slit 23.

The cover 21 is of double-armed configuration in principle, to beprecise in relation to the geometrical rotary-movement/sliding-movementaxis of the pivot pin 22.

I is used to designate that arm of the cover 21 which can be moved intothe region of action of the abutment W. In the basic position (see FIG.5), this arm I is in a hanging state, i.e. its free end is orientedtoward the squeeze head 13. In this position, a helmet-like portion, ifwe remain with this helmet metaphor, uses the inside of an eye guard 28as an actual closing portion to keep the opening cross-section 20 of theemptying nozzle 18 closed (see also FIG. 4).

If the cover 21, which functions simultaneously as a handle H, is thenpivoted in the clockwise direction about the pivot pin 22, which isinitially supported by a rotary bearing at the upper end 23′ of the slit23, the position according to FIG. 6 is reached. This position isdefined with perceptible stop limiting by a flank 29 engaging againstthe stationary underside 30 of the abutment W.

The abutment W is formed by a wing 31 which extends in the direction ofthe pivot pin 22 and slopes up slightly in the jaw contour. Its flank 29is visibly thickened in relation to the rest of the wall region. Theactual under-engaging region comprises a raised transverse roundedportion with flanks 29 sloping down in a roof-like manner. Thetransverse rounded portion avoids planing work between the arm I and theabutment W. The underside 30 is directed toward the longitudinal centerof the slit.

In the position according to FIG. 6, the arm I assumes a substantiallyhorizontal position, or perpendicular orientation, in relation to thelongitudinal center axis y—y of the dispenser Sp.

The other arm of the cover 21 or of the helmet, this arm beingdesignated II and, for all practical purposes, being located in theregion of the neck guard of the helmet, is the actuating arm. This isformed such that it is particularly easy to grip. It terminates in aprotrusion 32 which projects centrally beyond the general helmet shape.This extends the lever arm and gives the cover 21 the distinctivespiked-helmet-like configuration. The tip of the protrusion 32 is brokenaway.

The slit/pivot-pin mounting 23/22 is located in the region of the sideguards of the helmet. It is seated, as it were, at the vertex of aright-angled visor opening, realized in the region of the lowerperiphery 33 of the cover 21.

In the basic position of the cover 21, the lower periphery 33 of thecover 21 enters into a matching passage-like recessed channel 34 of thehousing 1. This recessed channel is formed on the dispenser head 3, wallportions of the recessed channel 34 which run in the pivoting plane ofthe cover 21 being utilized as guide surfaces. The cover-side wallportions are configured such that they can be guided correspondingly.

That arm of the cover 21 which is designated II strikes against astationary stop 35 of the dispenser head 3 (see FIG. 7), itspivoting-out action being limited in this way.

On the other hand, the free end of the arm I strikes against acorresponding inner surface of the dispenser head 3, this likewiseforming a stop. The latter stop is designated 36.

As can be gathered from the drawings, the pivot pin 22 of theslit/pivot-pin mounting 23/22 is shifted out of the longitudinal centeraxis y—y, to be precise in the direction away from the openingcross-section 20.

In order to achieve a highly stable connecting zone between the cover 21and emptying nozzle 18, the nozzle part, in addition to being stabilizedby the tube shape itself, is also stabilized by longitudinal ribs 37integrally formed on the lateral wall of the vertically running portionb of the emptying nozzle 18.

Functioning is, to summarize briefly, as follows: by virtue of the cover21 being pivoted in the clockwise direction, that is to say in thedirection of the arrow z, the closing portion of the cover 21 is movedout of the region of the opening cross-section 20. This results in thelatter standing freely in the emphatically concave jaw 27, thisfree-standing state rendering the operation of applying the extrudedsubstance clearly visible. With passage over the pivoting path accordingto angle beta, the opening phase is then followed by an actuating phase.The opening phase takes place with articulated action about the upperend 23′ of the slit 23. With the arm I engaging under thewindow-ledge-like wing 31, this arm I then forms the tilting point forfurther lowering of the cover 21 via the other arm II as handle H. Thepivot pin 22 is displaced on the plunger side in the slit 23. The pivotpin 22 is thus displaced downward, and is accompanied by the emptyingnozzle 18. Since the latter is fixed to the squeeze head 13, the squeezehead 13, utilizing the displacement 38 determined by the slit 23, iscompressed. This results in compression of the pasty substance 8 due toa reduction in volume in the squeeze head 13. The substance 8, passingvia the channel 19 of the emptying nozzle 18 is forced out in extrudedportions.

When the handle H, or the cover 21, is released, the emptying nozzle 18,as a result of the restoring force of the squeeze head 13, functioningas a restoring spring of the dispenser mechanism 2, returns into thebasic position which can be seen from FIG. 5. This takes place withpassage over the rest of the pivoting path according to angle gamma andover the pivoting path according to angle beta. With the so-calledself-closing effect being realized, furthermore, the plunger 9 is movedup by one step in the housing 1 via the filling column of pastysubstance 8. In the new plane, it locks against the cylindrical innerwall 1′ via the abovedescribed clamping module 11.

Any excess substance 8, and possibly any excess substance componentapplied thereto, is sucked back behind the opening cross-section 19.

In order to increase the restoring force, the dome-like squeeze head 13has a rib arrangement 13′″ at the top on the inside.

Part of the valley-like contour of the jaw 27 is contributed by thelower portion b of the emptying nozzle 18, in the form of a flap-likeportion 39 which is connected thereto or extends therefrom. This portionis accommodated, in the basic position, in an outline-adaptedthrough-passage 40 of the dispenser head 3 and, upon actuation of thedispenser, can be lowered together with the emptying nozzle 18.

The handle H, as far as its gripping surfaces are concerned, is verywell equipped for actuation. The actuating forces can readily beintroduced to good effect via the protrusion 32, which tapers in themanner of a spiked helmet. The dispenser Sp can be actuated in themanner of a classic hand-held lighter.

1. Dispenser (Sp) for delivering portions of pasty substances (8), thedispenser comprising: an emptying nozzle (18), a squeeze head (13), anda tubular housing (1) in which a plunger (9) is displaced in a stepwisemanner during a process of emptying the dispenser, displacement of theplunger occurring in the direction (arrow x) of the emptying nozzle(18), which is associated with the squeeze head (13), which squeeze headcan be pressed in in the direction of the plunger (9) and can beactuated via a handle (H); wherein the squeeze head is associated with acover (21), which closes the opening cross-section (20) of the emptyingnozzle (18), the dispenser further comprises a pivot-pin connection (Dv)being provided between the cover (21) and the emptying nozzle (18), anda slit/pivot pin mounting (23/22) disposed between cover (21) and thehousing (1), wherein the slit is fixed to the housing and guides the pinfor displacement of the pin along the slit in a direction of thepressing of the squeeze head, a location of the pin in the slit enablingthe cover to engage an abutment of the housing during a pivoting of thecover resulting in a deflection of the cover against the squeeze head(13) and the emptying nozzle (18) connected thereto, and wherein, oncethe cover (21) has been displaced open partially (angle beta), the pivotpin (22) is displaced in the pressing-in direction of the squeeze head(13), and the emptying nozzle (18) is carried along in the process, byway of support against the housing-side abutment (W).
 2. Dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover (21) and handle (H) form a unit.3. Dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cover (21) terminates ina spiked-helmet-like protrusion (32).
 4. Dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the abutment (W) is formed by a wing (31) which projects in thedirection of the pivot pin (22) and against the underside (30) of whicha flank (29) of an arm (I) of the cover (21) strikes.
 5. Dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the cover (21) has a lower periphery (33),and the lower periphery (33) of the cover (21) penetrates into amatching recessed channel (34) of the housing (1).
 6. Dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the pivoting path (angle beta) of thecover (21) to the point where the opening cross-section (19) of theemptying nozzle is exposed is greater than the rest of the pivoting path(angle gamma) of the cover (21) for the pressing in movement of thesqueeze head (13).
 7. Dispenser (Sp) for delivering portions of pastysubstances (8), the dispenser comprising: an emptying nozzle (18), asqueeze head (13), and a tubular housing (1) in which a plunger (9) isdisplaced in a stepwise manner during a process of emptying thedispenser, displacement of the plunger occurring in the direction (arrowx) of the emptying nozzle (18), which is associated with the squeezehead (13), which squeeze head can be pressed in in the direction of theplunger (9) and can be actuated via a handle (H); wherein the squeezehead is associated with a cover (21), which closes the openingcross-section (20) of the emptying nozzle (18), the dispenser furthercomprises a slit and pin assembly serving as a displaceable pivot-pinconnection (DV) being provided between the cover (21) and the emptyingnozzle (18), wherein the slit is fixed to the housing and guides the pinfor displacement of the pin along the slit in a direction of thepressing of the squeeze head, a location of the pin in the slit enablingthe cover to engage an abutment of the housing during a pivoting of thecover resulting in a deflection of the cover against the squeeze head(13) and the emptying nozzle (18) connected thereto, and wherein,movement of the cover (21) presses the squeeze head 13 by means of theemptying nozzle (18).